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Detail of the emblems on the Drill Hall. SO9198 : Drill Hall - Stafford Street

The South Staffordshire Regiment was raised by Colonel Luke Lillingston at the Kings Head in Lichfield in 1705. Originally they were known as ‘Lillingston’s Regiment’ and in 1751 became the ‘38th of Foot’. After service in Ireland they spent many years in the West Indies before fighting in the American War of Independence. In 1772 the 38th added the name the ‘1st Staffordshires’ when county designations were attached to aid recruitment. For the north of the county the 64th added the name the ‘2nd Staffordshires’. Shortly afterwards both regiments adopted the Stafford Knot as their emblem.

The Stafford Knot was a badge of the Earl of Stafford, later Duke of Buckingham in the 15th century. Its origins go back to his kinswoman Joan, Lady of Wake a descendant of Hereward the Wake.

The South Staffs Knot is surmounted by a crown. The North Staffs Knot has Prince of Wales Feathers